Mary Block Fonseca, Leprechaun of ‘56

SEPTEMBER
Mary Block Fonseca, Leprechaun of ‘56

1.  In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
The excellent foundation in grammar, composition, study habits and self-discipline I received at Ursuline prepared me well for my career as a writer and lecturer.  Striving for the ideals of ‘Courtesy, Loyalty, and Courage’ made me  a better person with desirable values to impart to my children and grandchildren.

2.  Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
Integrity. Without your own core of steadfast honesty you cannot stand up to life.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
One word, impossible!  It is a place where learning is carried out in an atmosphere of Christian love and discipline, a place where girls are taught that they can realize their dreams.  It is also the repository of some of my happiest memories and a valued part of my life.

ABOUT MARY FONSECA
After 20 years as a wife, mother, and community volunteer, and ten years as an office manager, Mary Fonseca embarked on a career as a free-lance writer. Her articles have been published in national and regional magazines such as Nation’s Business, Americana, Mississippi, and Louisiana Life.  Recently, she has been a contributor to AAA Southern Traveler and Louisiana Cookin’ Magazine.

Mary’s Louisiana Life series, ‘Say “Yes” to Louisiana,’ merited first place awards from the Press Club of New Orleans in 1990 and 1991 and inspired her to write Weekend Getaways in Louisiana and Mississippi, published in 1993.  Weekend Getaways in Louisiana followed in 1996.  This popular travel guide was designated a ‘Best Book’ about the state by Travel and Leisure magazine. Mary’s third book, Louisiana Gardens, was released by Pelican Publishing Company in 1999 and received rave reviews from several publications including The Midwest Book Review and Southern Living magazine.

In 2003, Mary assisted in production planning for two of WGBH’s nationally telecast ‘Victory Garden’ shows, and served as on-screen guide for the French Quarter gardens segment of ‘The Victory Garden.’  During this same year, her column, ‘A Stop Along the Way,’ highlighted Louisiana and Mississippi attractions for readers of Country Roads Magazine.

Mary has given lectures about Louisiana’s fascinating gardens and appealing destinations to more than 75 clubs and organizations. She and her husband are celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary this year.  Their five children, 12 grandchildren, and activities in St. Clement of Rome parish organizations keep her busy, but she manages to squeeze in time for her favorite things – writing, reading, gardening, and travel.